Introduced with the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2003, the bill provides for a new military rehabilitation and compensation scheme for members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who suffer an injury or disease, or die, as a result of ADF service on or after commencement of the proposed Act. Also contains a regulation-making power.

to establish a structure under which the Commonwealth, by prescribing State professional standards legislation (PSL) schemes (via regulations), can support PSL by allowing liability under the relevant Commonwealth legislative provisions to be capped in accordance with the laws of the States and Territories.

to provide for the industry services body, Dairy Australia, to: be fully indemnified (out of the assets of the Dairy Structural Adjustment Fund) for any liabilities incurred by it in managing and administering the Fund; and have the power to enter into financial and other arrangements and perform contracts associated with risk management in the administration of the Fund. Also contains application provisions.

to: remove the existing powers of the Industry Research and Development Board to commit and approve expenditure of Commonwealth funds; and clarify the Board’s role in the provision of advice on innovation programs in addition to research and development programs. Also contains savings and transitional provisions.

to: establish the National Measurement Institute (including the establishment of the position of Chief Metrologist) within the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources and outline its functions and responsibilities; and dissolve the National Standards Commission. Also contains transitional provisions to provide for the transfer of assets and liabilities from the Commission and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation to the Commonwealth; amends the

Science and Industry Research Act 1949

and National Measurement Regulations 1999; and contains a regulation-making power and an application provision.

to: ensure that the protections under the Act are available to all persons irrespective of nationality; provide the private sector with greater flexibility in relation to privacy codes; correct an unintended limitation on the provision of superannuation services to Commonwealth employees; and enable the Privacy Commissioner to audit acts and practices of Commonwealth agencies in relation to certain personal information. Also contains application provisions.